The costs add up in $5-$20 chunks. Things like metric screws, lead screws, belts and pulleys all add up. I sourced my first machine myself as I couldn’t afford to buy the package in a single purchase. I was thinking I’d come out ahead on cost but really I pretty much broke even on the stuff in the hardware kit vs Ryan’s shop. Him sourcing and packaging it in a single kit is definitely worth it. There are cheaper boards out there that work but the boards Ryan sells are quality ones and come pre-configured which is worth about 2-4 hours of time savings.
The printed and cut stuff is where you can probably save money if you have the time and access to a 3d printer. There’s probably $50 plastic there and if you have the 60-70 hours of print time to spare you can save 100 +/-. The cut parts are also easy if you have a friend with a cnc.
The table will cost more than you think if you are doing a full sized build. Figure at least $200 for a build like mine and some guys build far nicer.
Also once you get close to being done the idea bug strikes you and you start adding hose management . kill switches, and other non stock features that run up the total.
I think my LR2 came in at $650 but I had some of the parts on hand so probably closer to $700.